The San Diego Padres have recently engaged in trade talks for superstar Juan Soto. As the days have gone on, the New York Yankees have been in talks with the Toronto Blue Jays becoming another team that has reached out. Today, Andy Martino of SNY, reported that the Padres ask has been released.
The Padres have asked for for Michael King, Drew Thorpe and "as many as four or five other prospects like Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito" in a Juan Soto trade. With Yankee prospects Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and Everson Pereira not being involved in talks, as well as Gleyber Torres.
San Diego was also interested in salary relief not just for Soto but for center fielder Trent Grisham, sources say. The holdup seems to be on the Yankees end. The Yankees don't seem all that willing to depart from Michael King.
Obviously these are currently "negotiations". Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the package may end up being a shock to the baseball world, with the return heading back to San Diego, not being as much as the return to Washington for Soto.
For the Yankees, Michael King should not be the holdup for this deal to go through. With only two years left of team control, King is at an all-time trade high, after recording a 2.75 ERA in 2023.
When it comes down to it, Soto is on an expiring deal. Sources believe talks centered around Clarke Schmidt, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and possibly Drew Thorpe can get the Yankees and Padres closer to a Juan Soto trade. The Yankees are currently looked at as the most interested with the Blue Jays and other clubs on their tails.